The night went by without a hitch. There was a welcome reception that went along with the registration, where everyone got their badges, itineraries, and elaborate swag bags filled with the Summit’s logo plastered on everything from USB blockers, RFID wallets, and secure-password notebooks. Of course, theyalso had digital welcome packets because, well, it was a cyber summit after all.
Next came the keynote address given by some tech mogul that Blaze couldn’t stop going on about once he found out Elvis would be helping Levi’s team. A dramatic “live hack demo” followed, which was carefully scripted, and a call-to-action on global cyber threats. The evening would end with a cocktail mixer on the rooftop, which promised to be lavish enough that people would talk about it until the following year. There would be dancing, gaming tables, and cyber-themed decor. Elvis only hoped it didn’t rain.
Tomorrow would be panels and Q&A sessions, followed by a fireside chat from the Summit’s Founder. Then Saturday, there would be an interactive tech showcase where vendors and sponsors demoed their latest cybersecurity tools in booths with hands-on displays.
Sunday, everyone would return home, with memories to last for quite a while, as well as empty wallets. Elvis wasn’t sure he’d make it until Sunday. He needed to tell Levi he had to bail because his mind simply couldn’t focus on what he needed to be focusing on. All he saw was his high school years, twirling around the dance floor at his senior prom, Julia’s dress fanning out as he spun her. He had slipped his hand behind her neck in the middle of the dance floor, pulling her in for a kiss that got them both scolded by a chaperone.
And the woman he met earlier claimed not to be that woman. Bullshit. There was no way he would ever forget Julia Moretti, even if she called herself something else.
What the hell happened to you, Julia?
Once the keynote was over, Ray told them he didn’t need them at the mixer and that he would see them in the morning. “I told Lexi at the bar that the first round’s on me,” he said as he motioned to two of his men to get moving. The Director ofSecurity looked like he’d been built for the Gulf Coast heat and trouble. Elvis knew little more about the man than that he had the build of a linebacker gone corporate, with thick shoulders that strained the seams of his custom-tailored suit jackets.
“Hey, you don’t have to say free drink to me twice,” Colin said through the earpiece. “Shutting down now.”
Ray turned back to Levi as Taylor and Barret joined them. “I appreciate your help, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“We’ll be there,” Levi said as he motioned to his brothers to head out after taking everyone’s earpieces.
However, Elvis hung back a moment. “Director, a minute, please.”
The older man crossed his arms over his chest as he faced Elvis, impatience on his face. “What’s up?”
“That team from Obsidian,” he said, trying not to stare at the thin scar near the man’s left eyebrow. “What can you tell me about them?”
Ray shrugged. “Not much, I’m afraid. The bigwigs here thought we needed an audit, and they picked a hell of a time to do it. The lady is Delaney Rhodes. She built the company. And her partner is Roman Calloway. They’re from Oregon, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge, except they’re supposed to be the best of the best but are only in my way this weekend.”
Elvis tipped his head to the side for a moment. “If you don’t mind me asking, did something happen that made the casino want the audit on your team?”
Annoyance flashed in the man’s pale green eyes. “Nothing. My team is a smooth-running machine.”
The man sounded a little too defensive for that to be true, but Elvis decided not to press the issue.
“Thanks for your time, Director,” Elvis said with a quick tip of his head, figuring it best not to push the man any further. “We’ll see you in the morning.”
Ray gave a curt nod and then left them standing there.
“Well, that wasn’t much help,” Hawk said as they headed for the door.
Elvis could only sigh.
“I think I’m going to skip the drink,” he told his friend. “I’m exhausted.”
“Elvis is skipping out on drinks? Especially a free one?” Hawk chuckled, shaking his head. “This lady really does have you all messed up. You aren’t thinking of going after her again, are you?”
He shook his head. “No. Outside of my gut, I have nothing to prove she is who I think she is. I just want to go to sleep and get rested up for tomorrow.”
Hawk didn’t argue with him. Just said he’d see him in the morning and not to brood too much.
“No guarantees,” Elvis said as he left his friend and headed for the elevator.
In his room, he stripped down and stepped into a hot shower, allowing the steaming water to beat his flesh as if it could beat away the memories that suddenly threatened to drown him. He saw the girl of his past, the girl who had stolen his heart and changed the course of his life with her disappearance. He never thought he would see her again, never even dreamed that it would have been possible.
But she was there. He had spoken to her. He didn’t need proof. His gut was proof enough. So was his heart. His memory.
It didn’t matter what her name badge said. Delaney Rhodes was really Julia Moretti. Her hair was different, and she was older, but that face… there was no way he would ever forget how gorgeous she was. There was no doubt in his mind. It was her.
And she had lied to him.
